How To Save A Knocked-Out Tooth

Did you know that a whopping five million teeth of both children and adults are knocked off each year around the world? That’s quite a shocking number, much like the experience these individuals would go through when they sustain such an oral injury. A knocked-off tooth can be extremely painful and could result in severe bleeding, as the nerves and blood vessels in and around the tooth would be disturbed by the incident. But, such a tooth can be saved and reinserted in the mouth, after which it would heal by itself.

Here’s everything you need to know about a knocked-off tooth and how to handle the situation if you ever go through it.

How Could The Injury Occur?

In most cases of a knocked-out tooth, the injury usually occurs due to a hard blow to the mouth or an automobile accident. Sometimes, slipping and having a bad fall could also knock the tooth out. When it comes to athletes who play close contact sports, such as football, basketball, wrestling, etc., the chances of suffering from a knocked off tooth are significantly higher. Hence, wearing a mouthguard would be crucial.

How Can You Act Swiftly?

• Gather Yourself:Individuals who sustain a knocked off tooth often get into a state of shock. It is vital to realize you have only a few minutes to reach the dentist after the accident occurs, which is why you need to gather yourself quickly.
• Handle The Tooth:When you find the tooth knocked out, handling it well is critical. Please pick it up, holding only the tooth crown, and refrain from touching the tooth root. This is to avoid the germs in your fingers from coming in contact with the live tissues and nerve fibers still present on the tooth root. In case there is dirt on the tooth, gently rinse it off using clean water.
• Rinse Your Mouth:Your mouth has to be rinsed with clean and cold water to get rid of the blood and other debris, especially from the site of injury. You may place a piece of gauze near the site of injury to control the bleeding and a cold pack or a damp washcloth on the cheek to reduce pain and swelling.
• Protecting The Tooth:Keeping the tissues on the tooth root alive is essential for the dentist to place it back in your jawbone socket. You may keep it between your gums and cheek where the saliva in your mouth could constantly rinse the tooth. If that isn’t a possible option, you may keep it submerged in a container of cold milk, as it keeps the tissues alive.

While doing so, call us at the earliest and rush to our dental practice. This allows us to be prepared to treat you and save the tooth by placing it back in the socket as soon as possible.

We request you to call PS Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (503) 574-4000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.